Food

Though the FDA says there is no evidence of food or its packaging being associated with transmission of COVID-19, it's always important to thoroughly wash produce to prevent the spread of foodborne illness.

Your Biggest Self-Tanner Questions Answered

Planning to slather on some self-tanner before the last (unofficial) weekend of summer? Or do you want to but are too scared after the last self-tanning disaster where it ended up everywhere? We'd like to introduce you to your new best friend. The self-tanner brand Tan-Luxe has created the first ever self-tanner hotline. Yep, you call the number—1-833-TAN-LUXE—and a real self-tanning expert will pick up on the other end to answer all your burning questions or concerns no matter the brand or what you used. It's available to call 24/7 until September 4th so get your questions in while you can.

To save you a phone call we asked Marc Elrick, founder of Tan-Luxe, to share the most asked questions and the best solutions for each.

Real Simple: How do I prevent my dry areas and knuckles from looking like an orangey mess?

Tan-Luxe: “Thinking ahead is key to skipping the drama with tanning. It's much easier to do a 'tan-over’ than deal with the aftermath of too much tan. Apply an aloe vera rich moisturizer to your hands (knuckles, nails, and palms), elbows, knees, and feet (including the soles) just before you apply self-tan to ensure your tan applies evenly all over your body.”

TL: “First you need to soften the skin and break up the first layer of self-tan. Start by exfoliating skin with an oil-based scrub, in small circular motions and follow with a clay mask to draw out impurities and drain the color from the self-tan. To further break down the tan, mix three teaspoons of baking soda with whitening toothpaste, and half a squeeze of lemon or lime. Work this into your tan allowing the citric acid to strip the tan’s color and encourage fading. Repeat as needed.”

RS: I’m super pale—what products will work for me that are not too dark?

TL: “Build your coverage gradually to stay golden and avoid any tanning mishaps. The Tan-Luxe The Gradual ($29; ulta.com) is great for slowly building to your desired level of golden or add The Tan-Luxe The Body ($59; ulta.com) into your favorite moisturizer to gradually give skin a sun-kissed glow.”